If you’re like many dog owners, you consider your dog a part of your family; your furriest kid, even. If that’s the case in your home, there’s no doubt that you want to make your dog as comfortable as possible in your home. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your home more dog-friendly and with today being National Dog Day we’ve assembled the 7 coolest dog-friendly home improvements to consider for your four-legged family.
Doggie Stair Lift
If your dog has trouble getting up the stairs due to age, weight, or medical issues, you can make his life easier by getting a stairlift for your furry friend. While it may be a bit above your budget, it is certainly worth it if your dog is too big or too heavy to carry up the stairs yourself. Although currently only a prototype, the “Stair of the Dog 2022” is sure to find its way into quite a few dog-loving homes when it’s finally available.
Digital Pet Cam
No one likes having to leave his or her dog at home alone. Fortunately, there are ways to keep an eye on your dog while you’re at work or out for the night. Using a digital pet camera, you can see your dog and make sure he or she is okay. Some can even dispense treats and let you interact with your dog. Your dog will love being able to see and hear you and you’ll love being able to check on them from time to time.
Electronic Dog Door
Electronic dog doors can be much safer than using the classic plastic flap and are quickly becoming the new standard. Electronic dog doors are only opened by the sensor on your dog’s collar. This keeps outside creatures such as raccoons, stray cats, and home intruders from getting inside your house via a dog door. Before choosing an electronic dog door, decide first where it will be installed and what size you need for your dog. Some can only be installed in walls, while others can be installed in doors or windows. Many companies offer different sizes, so make sure to measure your dog before you purchase one.
Dog Wash Station
If you’ve ever tried to bathe your dog in your own shower, you understand how painful it can be kneeling on the floor or sitting on an uncomfortable stool. Then you have to clean the fur out of your bathtub before it clogs your drains and clean up the stray water your dog shook off as soon as he got out of the tub. If you’re remodeling your mudroom or bathroom or laundry room, seriously consider having a dog wash station installed. You can have the wash station built up so you don’t have to crouch or kneel to wash your dog and have stairs or a ramp installed so your dog can easily get up there. Having a dog wash station allows you to keep your dog clean and healthy much easier than using your own bathtub.
Radiant Heat Flooring System
If you’re remodeling your home to make it more dog-friendly, consider going with a radiant heat system under your hardwood, tile, or concrete flooring. You and your dog will both benefit from the comfort of a warm floor on a cold, winter morning. It’s a simple luxury that once you get, you’ll wonder how you and your dog ever lived without it.
Feeding Nook/Hidden Bowls
Unless you have a room dedicated to feeding your dog, you’ve probably kicked over or stepped on your dog’s food bowl. If you’re remodeling your home or building a new one, take the time to plan out where your dog’s feeding area will be. There are stylish and clever ways to store and hide your dog’s bowls, though you should always make sure your dog has access to fresh water. You can have a contractor carve out an area in your kitchen island or at the end of your peninsula to create an out-of-the-way feeding nook for your dog. Or you can use a drawer in a window seat or a shelf on the end of your lower cabinets.
